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Friday, September 23, 2011

I love shopping at vintage, antique, and thrift stores because chances are when you make that great find, it's literally one of a kind. But when you're trolling the stores quite frequently and paying close attention, it's amazing how that "one of a kind" sometimes turns into two of a kind when you least expect it.

Case in point...remember my Chinoiserie Chair Makeover a couple of years ago where I bought a $5 "asian chair" on craigslist? To date, it's one of my best scores, and I'm sitting in it as I write this post.

Well, I almost fell over backwards when eagle-eyed MoS Charlotte emailed me a link to the Biggs Powell sale on One Kings Lane that's currently going on. Not only is it the SAME EXACT CHAIR that I found on Craigslist for $5, but it's listed for the jaw-dropping price of $2,159.00. See for yourself!

They also have it in red and white if you are so inclined. That's my chair on the right so you can see how they are literally the SAME thing (the Biggs Powell one even says it's a chippendale repro- so we're not talking about a true antique here that would account for the price differential).

Ok, so you have to admit that's a little weird, right? Well, it gets weirder. Remember my elephant garden stool that I found at a thrift store last year with MoS Charlotte? (he's since gotten a few coats of paint to pretty him up). He's vintage, made in Mexico, with ornate carvings all over. Weighs about 8 zillion pounds.

So, the other day on the way back from Charlottesville, I decided to stop in Ruckersville (which is about 20 miles north of Charlottesville on Route 29...blink and you'll miss it...it's literally a few antique stores at an intersection near a Lowes). So I perused a couple of the stores, wasn't anything that interested in too terribly much, and was heading back to my car when a guy unloaded this onto the front porch of the store and put a pricetag on it. I couldn't believe my eyes....

Yep, it was an elephant gardens stool IDENTICAL to the one I already had. For $32. I couldn't believe my eyes. Clearly it didn't take much time to decide he was coming home with me.

Like, seriously, identical twins, down to the carvings and etchings. Elly #2 will get a coat or two of paint so that the colors even out, of course, and at that point, I won't even be able to tell them apart.

Have you had any "I can't believe I just found this" moments lately? If there's anything more satisfying than a great thrifting score, it's a great thrifting score when one of a kind becomes two of a kind!

13 comments:

I have to say, since I started thrifting with the eye to re-sell, I am completely bowled over by how MUCH good stuff there is out there. I love, love the stools-- I've wanted a pair to make into a coffee table forever!

Love this! Brought back lots of memories of Virginia antiquing. Plus my family (waaayyyy back in the day) founded Ruckersville! What a blast from the past. Love those elephants and wish I had one for my study....

I recently scored matching bamboo bookshelves off craigs list for $45. After safely getting them home safely, which was a miracle, I keep looking at them so happy with my luck.So jealous of your elephant twins!

Maybe "vintage" on OKL equals a higher price...I saw an identical "vintage" ice bucket on OKL to one I found at an estate sale for $8...much higher price on OKL!!! Love the elephants. Mine migrate around the house...The Paper Road Blog

I purchased a pair of "Asian Goddess" lamps at a thrift store in VA. When I got home and searched the internet I found one for sale at the whopping price of $600! Patience pays when thrifting..I strike out a lot!

That's so fun! Do you feel extra posh sitting in your chair now? I've got vintage jewelry I got for practically nothing like J Crew and Trina Turk sell for $200 and up, but nothing as good as thousands more! Way to go!

I love OKL to shop what's out there, but I buy elsewhere. I think its mostly "bargains" to people with more money than common sense. I think of all those wealthy people you read about who buy through their high-end designers only to find out later (like when they declare bankruptcy) how much they were overcharged. Love this blog!

my latest thrift shop find is a late 1800's silver teapot with an ivory handle and finial. it was tarnished black, but in excellent condition - no scratches. it was $15. and then there are the two brand new hermes scarves i picked up at a church thrift shop for $2 each... it's like a treasure hunt every time i go out.

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